Two physicians in the division of gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania received Crystal Awards from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) in May.

David Jaffe, a professor of clinical medicine, director of gastroenterology and medical director of endoscopy at Penn Medicine Radnor, received the ASGE’s Distinguished Educator Award for excellence in teaching students, trainees and practicing physicians. Dr. Jaffe has given lengthy service to the ASGE’s educational mission, planning courses and clinical symposia and most recently serving as chair of the society’s continuing medical education (CME) committee. At the Perelman School of Medicine, he has been recognized by medical students and fellows for his outstanding teaching in gastroenterology. 

Michael Kochman, the Wilmott Family Professor of Medicine and vice chair of clinical affairs in the department of medicine, received the Master Endoscopist Award, given annually to a clinician who has spent most of his or her time in patient care and who has made significant contributions to the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Dr. Kochman previously received the Mastrioanni Clinical Innovator Award from Penn in recognition of his contributions to clinical medicine. He developed the Wilmott Center for Endoscopic Innovation, Research and Training at Penn and is serving as its inaugural director. The facility enables doctors to develop new endoscopic techniques and practice them in a laboratory setting before applying them to patients.